NBHWC - National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Client Goal Setting Process Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client states their goal is to 'get in shape.' According to the SMART goal framework, what is the coach's MOST effective next step in the goal-setting process?

Accepted Answer

Ask the client, 'What does 'in shape' look and feel like to you, and how would we measure it?'

Answer

Immediately suggest the client start with walking 30 minutes a day, three times a week.

Answer

Tell the client that their goal is too vague and needs to be more realistic.

Answer

Explore the client's past failures with getting in shape to understand potential barriers.

Question 2

A coach is helping a client who wants to achieve a long-term vision of running a half-marathon. Which of the following best describes the primary benefit of co-creating smaller, weekly behavioral goals, such as 'complete three 20-minute runs this week'?

Accepted Answer

It shifts the focus from an overwhelming outcome to controllable actions, which builds self-efficacy.

Answer

It focuses on the final outcome, which is the most motivating factor for clients.

Answer

It guarantees the client will avoid injury and setbacks during their training.

Answer

It allows the coach to prescribe a precise training plan for the client to follow.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of a behavioral goal, as opposed to an outcome goal?

Accepted Answer

Bringing a healthy lunch to work four days a week.

Answer

Lowering A1c by 1 point.

Answer

Losing 15 pounds in 3 months.

Answer

Reducing blood pressure to 120/80 mmHg.

Question 4

A client, who is new to a consistent fitness routine, sets a goal to 'work out at the gym for 60 minutes, 7 days a week.' While the coach supports the client's enthusiasm, what is the most appropriate client-centered approach to this goal?

Accepted Answer

Ask the client, 'On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can achieve this goal right now?'

Answer

Tell the client this goal is unrealistic and they should start with only two days a week.

Answer

Accept the goal as stated and hold the client accountable to working out every day.

Answer

Develop a detailed workout plan for the client to ensure they use their 60 minutes effectively.

Question 5

In the client goal-setting process, what is the primary purpose of exploring the 'why' behind a client's desire to change, such as connecting their goal to their core values like 'family' or 'vitality'?

Accepted Answer

To increase the client's intrinsic motivation and commitment to the goal.

Answer

To ensure the goal is difficult enough to be challenging.

Answer

To allow the coach to determine if the client's goal is appropriate.

Answer

To fulfill the 'Relevant' requirement of the SMART goal framework exclusively.

Question 6

A client has a goal to 'reduce stress.' Which of the following questions is most effective for helping the client make this goal more Measurable?

Accepted Answer

How would you know you were successful? What would you be doing or feeling differently?

Answer

Why is reducing your stress important to you right now?

Answer

What is the first small step you could take to feel less stressed?

Answer

What obstacles might get in the way of you reducing your stress?